Biography

John Densmore is a musician, songwriter, author and actor from Los Angeles, California, best known as the rhythmic engine of The Doors. Responsible for some of the most famous beats in rock history, Densmore founded the rock band and was the drummer from 1965 to 1973. In fact, he was the only drummer in the Doors’ history and appeared on every recording made by the band. Densmore is also a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

His obsession with music was born in his childhood in Southern California. He took piano classes when he was only eight and loved the instrument. But soon, eager to try his hand at another instrument, young Densmore fixated on the clarinet. His orthodontist, however, strictly forbade him to wrap his wired mouth around any reed instruments. John Densmore headed then for drums/percussion. Densmore’s drumming strongest influences come from the jazz scene and figures like Elvin Jones (drummer for John Coltrane) and Art Blakey.

If being a rock’n’roll legend was not enough, Densmore has also worked in the performing arts as a dancer and actor, and written successfully as both a playwright and the author of two books on the topic of The Doors.